Men who keep busy and stay active mentally in midlife
are at lower risk for dementia later in life, according to a recent
report in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia.
The finding was based on a 28-year study of 147 pairs of male twins.
The more active men—those who participated in clubs, engaged
in hobbies and spent time with their friends and families—were
26% less likely to develop dementia than less active men.
This suggests that an enriched environment promotes the creation
of new brain cells and the repair of brain cells that protect against
cognitive decline.
Any product called “drink”
“beverage,” “punch,” “juice
blend,” “-ade” or “juice cocktail”
is likely to contain a lot of water and sugar but very little fruit
juice. For example, tropical punch is about 10% juice and cranberry
juice cocktail is about 25%. (Check the label for type and percentage
of juice.)
And, if you really do prefer diluted fruit juice, try mixing the
real thing with water or seltzer. You’ll cut the calories
and save some money too.
If cafe latte is your
main source of milk, you’ll be glad to hear
that its nutrients survive steaming, even the vitamins.
Milk heated for 10 minutes retains from 80 to 100% of its B vitamins,
according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Studies have also found that caffeine does not significantly interfere
with calcium absorption or adversely affect bone density. 
